Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that while urban Christians in Laos have seen improved conditions, rural believers face harassment, eviction, and property destruction. Authorities often view Protestantism as foreign, leading to arrests for Bible teaching. Decree 315 requires official approval for religious activities and mandates promoting national culture, which may target ethnic minorities. Although international engagement has brought some human rights improvements and higher authorities have intervened in unjust detentions, CSW urges reform of restrictive laws ahead of Laos's upcoming UN Universal Periodic Review in January.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports on rising far-right Hindu nationalism in India, citing hate speech that incites violence against minorities. The outlet notes a recent lynching of three Christians in a state in eastern India and legislation criminalizing religious conversion. CSW praises a prominent human rights activist for his courage despite threats. The organization also highlights the recent bail granted to five Christians falsely accused in a past murder case, which previously sparked severe anti-Christian violence. Additionally, CSW mentions Christian families forced to flee their homes after threats from fundamentalists. The group urges protection for those facing intimidation and calls for the repeal of anti-conversion laws to ensure peaceful religious practice for all citizens.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that major religious groups in Vietnam, including Buddhists, Catholics, and Protestants, face severe violations of freedom of belief. The outlet states that the government targets human rights defenders with harassment, arrest, and imprisonment. Specific cases include Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton, who received a 12-year sentence, and legal expert Nguyen Bac Truyen, sentenced to 11 years. The new Law on Belief and Religion requires complex registration, leaving unregistered groups like the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam vulnerable to violence. Ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands also suffer significant abuses, according to the report.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that ethnic and religious minorities in Vietnam continue to face violence and harassment due to vague restrictive legislation. The outlet highlights the situation during the Tet Lunar New Year, urging attention to activists like Nguyen Van Dai, Nguyen Bac Truyen, and Nguyen Van Hoa. These individuals are imprisoned or targeted for defending human rights and religious freedom. CSW notes that Nguyen Van Dai previously warned of the dangers faced by young defenders. The organization emphasizes the need for justice and peace for these communities as they endure imprisonment and mistreatment by authorities.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide released a prayer diary entry focusing on Egypt, where religious minorities face ongoing discrimination and violence. The organization highlights government harassment against human rights defenders, including travel bans and frozen assets. It specifically calls for an end to the use of blasphemy laws to target faith communities, secularists, and atheists. CSW also notes the legalization of 168 new Christian church buildings as a positive development. The group urges security forces to combat terrorism while protecting citizen rights, aiming for justice and equality for all Egyptians by the end of 2020.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights a severe deterioration in the safety of Christians in Nigeria over the past decade. A senior CSW official states that persecution has escalated from subtle discrimination to violent attacks by terrorist groups and Fulani militias. These groups reportedly kill residents, burn homes, and steal land, often operating with impunity during government lockdowns. The Nigerian government is criticized for failing to acknowledge the crisis or protect citizens. Consequently, over two million Nigerians are displaced, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in a region in northern Nigeria. CSW urges international pressure for decisive government action to end the violence.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that Christians, Muslims, and other minorities in India face escalating discrimination and violence following the 2019 re-election of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The organization highlights systematic harassment, arbitrary arrests, and hate speech targeting vulnerable groups. Specific incidents include the imprisonment of a Jesuit priest on terrorism charges and a mob attack on Christians in a central region. CSW urges the UK government to prioritize religious freedom in bilateral dialogues with India and calls for the release of detained human rights defenders. The outlet attributes these claims to its monitoring of the region's political and social climate.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports on severe religious persecution across several Latin American nations. In one country, a pastor faces harassment and the demolition of his home and church. In another nation, two church members were kidnapped. The organization documents these human rights violations to support victims and advocate for systemic change. CSW urges global awareness of these abuses and calls for accountability for those targeting religious minorities in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to protect believers facing such threats.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the Cuban government continues to intimidate religious minorities, including a pastor whose home and church were destroyed, and his family. In a province, Jewish students face school bans and physical abuse for wearing religious headwear. The US recently placed Cuba on its Special Watch List for severe religious freedom violations, a move welcomed by local leaders. Additionally, pandemic-related restrictions on public gatherings remain a concern for religious communities seeking to resume normal worship activities without further government repression.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide marked the International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief by highlighting persecution cases. In Nigeria, a family survived a shooting by Fulani attackers in a northern region. In China, authorities damaged a church in a coastal city and injured members. In Cuba, a pro-democracy movement faces continued harassment and detention by state security. Meanwhile, the Myanmar military's ceasefire excludes specific states, leaving Rohingya Muslims and Chin Christians at risk. The organization urges global attention to these violations. (Note: The article also mentions India, though not tagged in the country list.)
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Alim on UnsplashPersecuted church
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports rising religious intolerance in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The outlet cites President Joko Widodo’s call to fight terror following a Palm Sunday attack on a Catholic church in Makassar. CSW notes that groups such as Ahmadiyyas, Shi’as, and Christians face violence from radical militants linked to Islamic State. The organization also highlights the misuse of blasphemy laws to silence dissent and the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community since 2005. CSW urges leaders to protect all faith groups and ensure freedom of religion.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights ongoing religious persecution in Egypt despite recent government reforms. The organization notes that Christians, including those from a monastery in the region, face threats, land confiscation, and sectarian violence. Specific cases include the execution of a Christian by Islamic State terrorists and the sentencing of perpetrators in a past attack in a northern region. While many churches have been legalized, CSW reports continued discrimination against minority groups and the imprisonment of an activist. The outlet urges continued advocacy for freedom of belief and justice for victims.
During Easter, several leaders of a house church in China were arrested and had their power cut after officials discovered they were participating in an online worship service. This event underscores ongoing surveillance and harassment against the group, with many members currently detained or under house arrest. A widely circulated letter from a member details the harsh conditions faced by those under guard. Additionally, authorities shut down a Sunday service at another church in a city in Fujian province, injuring several attendees. The outlet urges prayers for the detained individuals and their guards, citing Christian teachings on loving enemies.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that Christians in India are delivering aid during the ongoing lockdown but face false accusations of conversion. In a region in eastern India, tensions remain high as the community marks the anniversary of past violence which killed nearly 100 people. Recent incidents include the murder of a young boy and attacks on families in another state who refused to abandon their faith. The group highlights the courage of those providing groceries to affected families while calling for protection from both the virus and religious hostility. The outlet urges justice for those jailed in the past case and equal rights for religious minorities.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights continued severe violations of freedom of religion or belief in Vietnam, including arrests, torture, and harassment of major religious communities. The organization notes that human rights defenders remain specific targets. Recent updates mention the release of Pastor A Dao in September and the ongoing detention of Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton’s son. The group also reports pressure on Falun Gong practitioners in Ha Tinh province and praises activist Nguyen Bac Truyen for his hunger strike and Stefanus Prize. CSW urges international partners, including the EU, UK, and US, to prioritize religious freedom in their improving diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that Eritrea faces ongoing human rights issues despite its UN Human Rights Council membership. The government is accused of atrocity crimes in a neighboring region and forcing young conscripts into combat. Religious groups face severe repression, with many detained in unsanitary prisons. The UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate was renewed to monitor the situation, though Eritrea has refused access. Recent arrests include Christians in a major city and another town, while hundreds of Muslims, Christians, and Jehovah’s Witnesses were released in late 2020 and early 2021. Widespread hunger and locust swarms exacerbate hardships under strict COVID-19 lockdowns. (Source: CSW)
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports rising insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in central and northern states, where kidnapping and attacks on farming communities have increased. The outlet highlights a British MP report detailing attacks on Christian farmers by Fulani militia. In legal news, a woman arrested for operating an orphanage faces resumed trial charges. Additionally, a high court in a northern city dismissed the sentence of a blasphemy convict and ordered a retrial for a singer. CSW also notes the release of several captives, including school children and clergy, while urging leaders to protect citizens from ongoing violence.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that over 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan are abducted and forced into marriage annually. The organization highlights the case of a 13-year-old kidnapped in 2020, and another who escaped her captors. CSW notes persistent discrimination against minorities, including Ahmadis, citing recent attacks and murders in a city in Punjab province. The outlet attributes rising intolerance to biased education and the exploitation of blasphemy laws by extremist groups. CSW urges attention to these human rights violations and calls for an inclusive national curriculum to protect vulnerable communities from sectarian violence and harassment.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that Myanmar’s military conducted its first airstrikes in a conflict zone in two decades this March. The attack killed a father instantly and severely injured his young son, who survived with shrapnel wounds. The organization attributes the military’s capability to weapons supplied by China and Russia. CSW is calling for a global arms embargo and notes that the EU recently imposed sanctions on individuals and companies linked to the February coup. The group highlights ongoing repression and violations of religious freedom in the country.
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